A two-dimensional model of the movement of fluid mud in a high energy turbid estuary

The movement of fluid mud has been cited as the most likely cause of rapid siltation in the majority of the ports in the world located in muddy estuaries. In the past, it has been very difficult to predict or quantify this extra siltation, which may in some cases double the annual and maintenance dredging bill for a new port extension. The new model simulated the interchange of mud between the suspended mud, fluid mud and settled mud phases. The new modelling method was used to set up a pilot model of mud transport in the Severn Estuary.